GREELEY, Colo. (AP) - A school has an unexpected $7,000 to use after 26 people donated the amount that their property taxes would have increased under a measure that voters rejected.
St. Patrick Presbyterian Church Pastor Michael Mathews and 25 members of the congregation donated $7,000 to Shawsheen Elementary School, the Greeley Tribune reported (https://bit.ly/2hxTErU).
“It’s incredible; it’s a wonderful feeling,” Mathews said. “We realize it’s largely symbolic. It will help a little bit.”
The failed measure would have paid for a new roof for the school and other projects.
Shawsheen Elementary School Principal Jill Barnes said it was disappointing when the measure failed despite outreach and the school’s improved performance.
“There was a sense of discouragement,” Barnes said. “There were a lot of people on our staff that were out talking with parents, visiting homes. They put a lot of time and effort into trying to educate the community and gain support of the community.”
The Citizens Advisory Committee, including Mathews, recommended the measure’s approval.
“I’m just overwhelmed,” Barnes said of the donation. “It feels really good. . It’s nice to hear the voices of the people that support us.”
Shawsheen is trying to raise $37,000 to match a $150,000 grant from the city to build an accessible playground. Children currently play on equipment that’s at least 35 years old.
Demonstrations of support like this are necessary, Barnes said.
“We’re a microcosm of the community, and so it really does take a village,” she said. “We can’t do it alone.”
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Information from: The Tribune of Greeley, Co, https://greeleytribune.com
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